According to CNN, actor Jay Johnston (Not Another Teen Movie, Men In Black II) pled guilty to one felony count of civil disorder for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol Insurrection. The actor is known for playing the characters Officer Taylor in Arrested Development and Jimmy Pesto Sr. in Bob’s Burgers.
Johnston has had roles as Don Watchtell in Better Caul Saul, Carl in Modern Family, Coach Stopframe in Moral Orel, Ed in Malcolm in the Middle and Jeremy in Curb Your Enthusiasm. He had very minor roles in Community, Parks and Recreation, Anchorman and Men in Black II. He had a major role in the series The Sarah Silverman Program, playing the role of Officer Jay McPherson, the love interest of the fictionalized version of Sarah Silverman’s (School Of Rock, Ralph Breaks The Internet) sister, Laura Silverman (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bob’s Burgers).
CNN reports that Prosecutors allege that Johnston, along with other protestors, allegedly assaulted law enforcement in the tunnel in the Lower West Terrace of the Capital. Charging documents allege that Johnston allegedly took a shield from officers and allegedly shoved it against police defending the tunnel.
According to CNN, the charging documents also allege that Johnston allegedly admitted his involvement to an associate. “The news has presented it as an attack. It actually wasn’t,” Johnson said in the text message. “Thought it kind of turned into that. It was a mess. Got maced and tear gassed and I found it quite untastic.”
Johnston is set for sentencing on October 7, and his case will be seen before US District Court Judge Carl Nichols.
Johnston is not the only actor arrested for his alleged connection with the Capital Hill insurrection. According to 8NewsNow, actor Nolan Freeman (The Rookie, Devil’s Night), best known for an episode of NCIS, faced four charges for his alleged role in the insurrection. 8NewsNow reports that the FBI has arrested more than 1,300 people for crimes related to January 6, including 450 who face charges of assaulting or impeding law enforcement.